CBD shown to ease anxiety without the risks that can come with THC
A recent study by the University of Colorado Boulder has found that cannabis products rich in cannabidiol (CBD) can effectively reduce anxiety without the adverse effects associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, this research is the first randomized trial to assess the impact of commercially available cannabis on anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety disorders affect approximately 20% of U.S. adults, making them the most prevalent mental health condition in the country. Traditional anti-anxiety medications are widely prescribed, but many individuals seek alternative remedies, including cannabis. However, previous studies have yielded mixed results regarding cannabis's efficacy in alleviating anxiety, with some suggesting that high-THC products might exacerbate symptoms over time.
In this study, researchers recruited 300 participants with anxiety: 42 non-cannabis users and 258 who had previously used cannabis. Participants were assigned to use one of three cannabis flower products over four weeks: a THC-dominant product (24% THC, 1% CBD), a CBD-dominant product (1% THC, 24% CBD), or a balanced product containing equal parts THC and CBD (12% each). Due to federal restrictions, participants purchased their assigned products from designated dispensaries and used them off-campus.
The findings revealed that all groups experienced reduced anxiety levels by the study's end. Notably, those using CBD-dominant products reported the most significant improvements without feelings of impairment or paranoia, which were more common in the THC-dominant and balanced groups. Senior author Cinnamon Bidwell, an associate professor at CU Boulder, emphasized the need for further research to confirm long-term benefits but highlighted the clear short-term advantages of CBD-rich products in alleviating tension and anxiety with minimal harm.
These results suggest that CBD-dominant cannabis products may offer a promising alternative for individuals seeking anxiety relief without the potential side effects associated with THC.
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